Antero Reservoir, Fairplay Colorado - Antero Reservoir is a shallow yet expansive lake with a fast growth rate for its various trout inhabitants. Species in Antero Reservoir: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Cutbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Kokanee, Rainbow Trout, Splake
Antero was the first dam on the South Platte River. Originally built in 1909, this earth-fill dam is believed to occupy the site of a former lakebed. Green Lake is submerged within Antero Reservoir.
Antero is a shallow South Park reservoir that is historically known for producing trophy classed fish in short order. The reservoir was closed from 2002 through July, 2007 due to drought. Colorado Division of Wildlife re-stocked the lake with rainbow trout, brook trout, cutbow, cutthroat trout, brown trout, and splake. As a shallow reservoir, Antero periodically is subject to winter-kill.
The following is from CDOW for 2009
Antero received a 53% winter kill in 2007/2008. The fishery has rebounded nicely with the average size trout in the 14-18 inch range. The following data was collected in May of 2008 after a winter kill had occurred and prior to any stocking. Comparing survey data from 2007, 53% of the trout population was lost during the winter of 2007/2008. Unfortunately the suckers made it through the winter kill unaffected. In general, the smaller trout made it through the winter kill better than the larger trout. This is very typical. The Colorado Division of Wildlife has since restocked Antero and fish are growing fast. Typical summer growth rates range from 1.5”-2.0” per month.
Antero Reservoir is open to the public and the dissolved oxygen readings as of this report are good. At ice off expect good numbers of large rainbow trout, Snake River cutthroat trout, rainbow x cutthroat hybrid trout, brown trout, brook trout, and splake. Due to the statewide hiring freeze and Aquatic Nuisance Species concerns, trailered boat may not be allowed to launch at Antero at ice off. Please contact your local DOW office for updates. Once boat inspectors are in place, all trailered boats must go through an Aquatic Nuisance Species inspection. This year all boat inspection will occur on the south side of the reservoir. The north boat ramp will be closed, however the north side of the reservoir will be open to hand launched boats and shore fisherman.
Relative Frequency based on 2008 Gillnet Survey
Rainbow Trout 10%
Cutbow 7%
Snake River Cutthroat 3%
Splake 4%
Brown Trout 1%
Kokanee 1%
White Sucker 70%
Longnose Sucker 5%
Getting there: From Denver take US-285 through Fairplay to US-24. About a mile south of Fairplay veer southeast on Highway 9 toward Hartsel. After about 15 miles you will reach a stop sign at the intersection with Higway 24. Turn right (west) on Highway 24. The entrances to Antero Reservoir will be on your right The entrance to the north access will be first and the entrance to the south access next.
From Co. Springs take US-24 through Hartsel to the Antero entrance on your right.
Fees: No fee. Boating: All Boats Allowed. Boat inspections began May 1 at the south boat ramp from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, 7 days a week. The north boat ramp will be closed for the entire 2009 season. All boat ramps will be closed at night. Antero will close to boating on October 31, 2009.
Boats are prohibited to tie off on buoys
Toilet facilities on any vessel must be completely self-contained
